Law No. 53/2024/QH15 dated November 28, 2024 on prevention and combat of human trafficking

THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF VIETNAM --------	THE SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM Independence - Freedom – Happiness ---------------
Law No. 53/2024/QH15	Hanoi, November 28, 2024

 

LAW

ON PREVENTION AND COMBAT OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Pursuant to the Constitution of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam;

The National Assembly hereby promulgates the Law on prevention and combat of human trafficking.

Chapter I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope

This Law provides for the prevention, detection, and handling of acts of human trafficking and other violations of regulations on prevention and combat of human trafficking; reception, verification, identification, support, and protection of victims and persons undergoing victim identification; state management and responsibilities of agencies, organizations, families, and individuals in preventing and combating human trafficking; and international cooperation in prevention and combat of human trafficking.

Article 2. Interpretation of terms

For the purposes of this Law, the terms below shall be construed as follows:

1. “Human trafficking” refers to acts of recruiting, transporting, harboring, transferring, or receiving persons for the purposes of obtaining money, property, other material benefits, sexual exploitation, forced labor, human organ harvesting, or other inhumane purposes by means of force, threats of force, deception, or other methods.

 Acts of recruiting, transporting, harboring, transferring, or receiving persons under 18 years of age for the purposes of obtaining money, property, other material benefits - except as otherwise provided for by law - sexual exploitation, forced labor, human organ harvesting, or other inhumane purposes are also deemed human trafficking, even in the absence of force, threats of force, deception, or other methods.

2. “Sexual exploitation” refers to coercing victims into prostitution, organizing prostitution involving victims, bringing victims to establishments engaging in prostitution, using victims as subjects for the production of books, newspapers, pictures, films, music, or other pornographic materials, forcing victims to perform obscene acts, or compelling victims, through dependency, to meet sexual demands.

3. “Forced labor” refers to the use of force, threats of force, or other methods to coerce victims into performing work against their will.

4. “Human organs” refer to parts of the human body composed of various types of tissues that perform specific physiological functions.

5. “Other inhumane purposes” include using victims for experiments; forcing victims to beg, marry against their will, bear children against their will, commit crimes, or subjecting them to other cruel purposes.

6. “Other methods” refer to exploiting marriage brokerage, job brokerage, overseas study consultancy, adoption, or overseas tourism to deceive victims; taking advantage of victims’ dependency, vulnerability, or distress; abusing positions or powers; kidnapping, intimidating, or poisoning victims; or inducing victims into a state of unconsciousness or inability to control their actions.

7. “Victim” refers to a person harmed by acts specified in Clause 1 of this Article and recognized by the competent authority.

8. “Person undergoing victim identification” refers to individuals showing signs of harm from acts specified in Clause 1 of this Article and undergoing verification by the competent authority.

9. “Relatives” include spouses, biological parents, parents-in-law, adoptive parents, biological children, adoptive children; paternal grandparents, maternal grandparents, biological siblings; great-grandparents, uncles, aunts, and biological nieces or nephews.

Article 3. Prohibited acts

1. Human trafficking as specified in Clause 1, Article 2 of this Law.

2. Agreements to traffic persons while they are still in the womb.

3. Forcing, brokering, or inciting others to commit acts specified in Clauses 1 and 2 of this Article.

4. Threatening or retaliating against victims, persons undergoing victim identification, their relatives, witnesses, informants, reporters, whistleblowers, or those preventing the acts specified in this Article.

5. Colluding, covering up, assisting, obstructing, intervening, failing to handle, or improperly handling acts of human trafficking in violation of the law.

6. Exploiting activities to prevent and combat human trafficking for personal gain or engaging in illegal acts.

7. Obstructing the rescue, reception, verification, identification, protection, or support of victims and persons undergoing victim identification.

8. Obstructing the detection, reporting, whistleblowing, or handling of acts specified in this Article.

9. Insulting, stigmatizing, or discriminating against victims or persons undergoing victim identification.

10. Disclosing information about victims or persons undergoing victim identification without their consent or the consent of their legal representatives, except as otherwise provided by law.

11. Falsely claiming to be a victim.

12. Other acts that violate the provisions of this Law.

Article 4. Principles for preventing and combating human trafficking

1. Respect and protect the lawful rights and interests of victims and persons undergoing victim identification; place the victim or the person undergoing victim identification at the center; and ensure gender equality.

2. Implement comprehensive measures to prevent human trafficking; detect, prevent, and strictly, promptly, and accurately handle acts specified in Article 3 of this Law.

3. Rescue, receive, verify, identify, protect, and support victims and persons undergoing victim identification in a timely and accurate manner; keep information confidential and avoid insulting, stigmatizing, or discriminating against victims and persons undergoing victim identification.

4. Ensure that victims and persons undergoing victim identification can use a language they understand and are provided with support suitable to their beliefs, religion, age, gender, health conditions, and personal characteristics, within the framework of Vietnamese law.

5. Depending on specific circumstances and in accordance with relevant laws, victims who commit violations of the law as a direct consequence of human trafficking may not be subjected to administrative penalties or criminal prosecution for such violations.

6. Promote the roles and responsibilities of agencies, organizations, businesses, communities, families, and individuals in preventing and combating human trafficking.

7. Strengthen international cooperation, inter-sectoral coordination, and proactive participation in international organizations, treaties, and agreements on preventing and combating human trafficking in compliance with the Constitution, Vietnamese law, and international laws and practices.

Article 5. State policies on prevention and combat of human trafficking

1. Preventing and combating human trafficking is a component of the national crime prevention strategy and is integrated with the implementation of other socio-economic development programs.

2. Encourage domestic and foreign agencies, organizations, and individuals to participate in, cooperate with, and sponsor activities for the prevention and combat of human trafficking, as well as support victims and persons undergoing victim identification. Domestic organizations and individuals are encouraged to establish victim support facilities in accordance with the law.

3. Prioritize the application of science, technology, and digital transformation in preventing and combating human trafficking; provide training and capacity-building support for personnel involved in this work.

4. Protect and support victims, persons undergoing victim identification, and agencies, organizations, businesses, and individuals engaged in human trafficking prevention and combat in accordance with the law.

5. Recognize and reward agencies, organizations, and individuals with achievements in preventing and combating human trafficking; ensure appropriate regimes and policies for those who suffer harm to life, health, or property while participating in these efforts, as prescribed by law.

6. Annually, the State allocates a budget for the prevention and combat of human trafficking, with priority given to ethnic minority areas, severely disadvantaged areas, and regions with complex human trafficking situations.

Article 6. Rights and obligations of victims and persons undergoing victim identification

1. Rights of victims and persons undergoing victim identification:

a) Request agencies, organizations, or competent individuals to take protective measures for themselves and their relatives in accordance with this Law when they are harmed, threatened with harm, or at risk of harm to their life, health, dignity, honor, property, or other lawful rights and interests related to human trafficking prevention and combat;

b) Receive information about their rights, lawful interests, and preventive measures against human trafficking;

c) Receive support under the provisions of this Law or refuse such support;

d) Have their personal information, private life, family secrets, residence, workplace, and other data protected as prescribed by law;

dd) Be issued documents or certificates by competent agencies or individuals confirming their status as victims;

e) Receive compensation for damages as provided by law;

g) Refuse the application of protective measures;

h) Exercise other rights as provided by relevant laws.

2. Obligations of victims and persons undergoing victim identification:

a) Fully comply with the requirements of agencies, organizations, and competent individuals in the application of protective and supportive measures;

b) Provide information related to violations of human trafficking prevention and combat laws to agencies, organizations, or competent individuals;

c) Fulfill the requests of competent agencies or individuals in detecting, investigating, and handling human trafficking cases;

d) Perform other obligations as prescribed by relevant laws.

Chapter II

PREVENTION OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Article 7. Information dissemination, communication, and education on prevention and combat of human trafficking

1. Information dissemination, communication, and education on the prevention and combat of human trafficking aim to raise awareness and responsibility among agencies, organizations, businesses, communities, families, and individuals in preventing and combating human trafficking, fostering vigilance, and encouraging active participation in these efforts.

2. The content of information dissemination, communication, and education includes:

a) Policies and laws on the prevention and combat of human trafficking and related legislation;

b) Purposes, methods, acts of human trafficking, and other prohibited acts as stipulated in this Law;

c) Skills for responding to suspected human trafficking cases;

d) Measures and experiences in preventing and combating human trafficking;

dd) Responsibilities of agencies, organizations, businesses, families, and individuals in preventing and combating human trafficking;

e) Combating insults, stigmatization, and discrimination against victims and persons undergoing victim identification;

g) Measures for protection and policies for supporting victims and persons undergoing victim identification; outcomes of handling human trafficking cases as prescribed by law;

h) Other relevant content related to preventing and combating human trafficking.

3. Information dissemination, communication, and education shall be conducted through the following methods:

a) Direct meetings and discussions;

b) Providing documents;

c) Using mass media and grassroots communication activities;

d) Incorporating extracurricular activities in educational and vocational training institutions;

dd) Conducting literary, artistic, community activities, and other cultural forms;

e) Utilizing telecommunications networks, the Internet, and computer networks;

g) Organizing conferences, seminars, training courses, and specialized talks; conducting direct dissemination and legal education;

h) Organizing competitions and communication campaigns;

i) Other appropriate methods.

4. Establish a network of grassroots communicators, actively involve socio-political organizations, and encourage victims to participate in information dissemination, communication, and education on the prevention and combat of human trafficking.

5. Information dissemination, communication, and education efforts should be enhanced for women, youth, children, students, persons with disabilities, workers in industrial zones, employees of casinos, karaoke businesses, nightclubs, massage services, and residents in border areas, islands, ethnic minority regions, disadvantaged areas, areas with many citizens marrying foreigners, working abroad, or regions with complex human trafficking situations.

Article 8. Counseling on human trafficking prevention

Individuals preparing to engage in labor, employment, marriage, adoption with foreign elements, or other services prone to exploitation for human trafficking purposes shall be counseled by the agencies and organizations stipulated in Articles 19, 20, and 21 of this Law on the following topics:

1. Legal knowledge on the prevention and combat of human trafficking;

2. Career orientation, employment, and safe migration; information about the purposes, methods, and acts of human trafficking; skills for handling situations as victims of trafficking; and guidance on appropriate behavior in suspected trafficking cases;

3. Information on the rights and obligations of victims and persons undergoing victim identification, along with guidance on how to exercise those rights and fulfill those obligations.

Article 9. Security and order management

Agencies and competent individuals responsible for security and order management shall undertake the following tasks:

1. Manage residence registration and immigration activities in the locality, monitoring population movements related to human trafficking activities;

2. Manage and supervise individuals previously convicted of human trafficking and others showing signs of engaging in human trafficking acts, as prescribed by law;

3. Effectively manage and utilize the national population database, identity card database, and other specialized databases; implement electronic identification and authentication; and utilize criminal record information for the prevention and combat of human trafficking;

4. Conduct patrols and inspections at borders, border areas, border gates, seas, and islands to promptly detect and prevent human trafficking acts;

5. Strictly manage telecommunications networks, the Internet, and computer networks to prevent human trafficking;

6. Manage the issuance of identity documents and travel documents; apply advanced science and technology in the issuance, distribution, and management of identity and travel documents to prevent human trafficking;

7. Coordinate with competent authorities in neighboring countries to patrol and inspect borders and border gates for the prevention and combat of human trafficking.

Article 10. Management of business and service activities

1. The following business and service activities must be managed and inspected to detect, prevent, and handle their exploitation for human trafficking purposes:

a) Karaoke, nightclub, and massage services; casino businesses; online gaming via telecommunications networks and the Internet; content information services on telecommunications networks and the Internet; employment services, labor subleasing, overseas study consultancy, sending Vietnamese workers abroad under contracts, recruiting foreigners to work in Vietnam; travel and accommodation services;

b) Support activities for marriage between Vietnamese citizens and foreigners, and adoption;

c) Other business and service activities prone to exploitation for human trafficking purposes.

2. Within their scope of duties and authority, ministries and ministerial-level agencies are responsible for guiding, managing, and inspecting the business and service activities specified in Clause 1 of this Article to prevent and combat human trafficking.

Article 11. Management of immigration activities

Agencies and individuals authorized in immigration management must proactively detect, prevent, and promptly handle acts of exploiting immigration activities, falsifying documents, or using other methods to commit human trafficking through their professional operations.

Article 12. Information exchange for managing immigration activities

Agencies responsible for preventing and combating human trafficking, immigration management, border defense forces, and coast guard forces are responsible for exchanging and providing information about individuals previously convicted of human trafficking and others showing signs of engaging in human trafficking acts.

Article 13. Integration of human trafficking prevention into socio-economic development programs

The Government, ministries, sectors, and localities shall integrate human trafficking prevention into programs on crime prevention, social evils prevention, vocational training, job creation, poverty reduction, gender equality, child protection, women's advancement, and other socio-economic development programs.

Article 14. Rights and responsibilities of individuals participating in human trafficking prevention

1. Participate in activities to prevent human trafficking.

2. Promptly report, inform, or denounce acts specified in Article 3 of this Law.

3. Be protected and have personal information kept confidential when participating in human trafficking prevention and victim support as prescribed by law.

4. Be commended and ensured appropriate regimes and policies when participating in human trafficking prevention and victim support in accordance with the law.

Article 15. Responsibilities of families in preventing human trafficking

1. Educate and remind family members to comply with laws on preventing and combating human trafficking; provide family members with information on the purposes, methods, and acts of human trafficking, as well as measures for prevention and combat.

2. Coordinate with educational and vocational training institutions, agencies, and organizations in preventing and combating human trafficking.

3. Care for and support family members who are victims to help them reintegrate into family and community life.

4. Encourage, support, and create conditions for family members who are victims or persons undergoing victim identification to cooperate with competent authorities in preventing and combating human trafficking.

Article 16. Responsibilities of educational and vocational training institutions in preventing human trafficking

1. Organize extracurricular communication and educational activities on the prevention and combat of human trafficking suitable for educational levels and training qualifications.

2. Facilitate opportunities for victims to pursue education, vocational training, employment counseling, and community reintegration.

3. Coordinate with agencies, organizations, and families to implement measures to prevent and combat human trafficking.

Article 17. Responsibilities of organizations, businesses, and business or service establishments in preventing human trafficking

Organizations, businesses, and establishments engaged in business or services specified in Article 10 of this Law shall:

1. Commit to complying with laws on preventing and combating human trafficking;

2. Gather information on individuals receiving services and notify competent authorities upon request to prevent human trafficking;

3. Sign written employment contracts with employees and register employees with local labor management agencies to prevent human trafficking;

4. Fully comply with the requirements of competent authorities in inspections and audits related to the prevention and combat of human trafficking in their operations;

5. Cooperate and fulfill all requirements from competent authorities when screening for signs of trafficking among employees at their organization, business, or establishment;

6. Proactively prevent and promptly report to competent authorities any acts with signs of human trafficking.

Article 18. Responsibilities of press and media agencies in preventing human trafficking

1. Promptly and accurately disseminate, communicate, and promote policies and laws on preventing and combating human trafficking; report truthfully on the situation of human trafficking and related prevention efforts; and highlight exemplary practices and effective models in combating human trafficking.

2. Maintain confidentiality of information about victims, persons undergoing victim identification, and accompanying individuals under 18 years of age, except as otherwise provided by law.

Article 19. Responsibilities of the Vietnam Fatherland Front and its member organizations in preventing human trafficking

1. Conduct supervision and provide social feedback during the formulation and implementation of policies and laws on preventing and combating human trafficking in accordance with the law.

2. Disseminate information, mobilize the People, members, and affiliates to comply with laws on preventing and combating human trafficking and related legislation; encourage the People, members, and affiliates to actively detect, report, inform, denounce, and prevent prohibited acts as stipulated in this Law; and participate in establishing a network of communicators on human trafficking prevention at the grassroots level.

3. Propose necessary measures to competent state agencies to enforce laws on preventing and combating human trafficking and related legislation; participate in combating human trafficking and providing care, support, and protection for victims and persons undergoing victim identification.

4. Provide or participate in counseling on preventing human trafficking as stipulated in Article 8 of this Law.

5. Participate in vocational training, job creation, and other support activities to help victims reintegrate into the community.

6. Coordinate in preventing and combating human trafficking as prescribed by this Law.

Article 20. Responsibilities of the Vietnam Women’s Union in preventing human trafficking

1. Disseminate, educate, and mobilize women and children to enhance their awareness and compliance with laws on preventing and combating human trafficking.

2. Participate in establishing a network of communicators on human trafficking prevention at the grassroots level.

3. Fulfill the responsibilities specified in Article 19 of this Law within the scope of its functions and duties.

Article 21. Responsibilities of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union in preventing human trafficking

1. Disseminate, educate, and mobilize youth and children to enhance their awareness and compliance with laws on preventing and combating human trafficking.

2. Participate in establishing a network of communicators on human trafficking prevention at the grassroots level.

3. Fulfill the responsibilities specified in Article 19 of this Law within the scope of its functions and duties.

Chapter III

DETECTION AND HANDLING OF VIOLATIONS OF LAWS ON PREVENTING AND COMBATING HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Article 22. Denunciations, reports, and recommendations for prosecution of violations

1. Individuals have the right and obligation to denounce, report, and inform about acts specified in Article 3 of this Law to the Public Security Forces, Border Defense Forces, Coast Guard Forces, People’s Committees of communes, wards, towns (hereinafter referred to as commune-level People’s Committees), competent agencies for handling denunciations, the national hotline for preventing and combating human trafficking, or any other agency or organization.

2. Agencies and organizations, upon discovering or receiving denunciations, reports, or recommendations for prosecution related to acts specified in Article 3 of this Law, are responsible for handling the matter within their authority or promptly notifying or recommending prosecution to competent authorities for handling in accordance with the law.

3. The Government shall regulate the national hotline for preventing and combating human trafficking to receive reports and denunciations of human trafficking acts.

Article 23. Detection of violations through inspection and examination activities

1. Agencies and organizations are responsible for regularly self-inspecting the performance of their functions and duties; if acts specified in Article 3 of this Law are detected, they must promptly address them within their authority or recommend handling in accordance with the law.

2. Competent agencies and organizations, through inspection and examination activities, shall proactively detect and promptly address acts specified in Article 3 of this Law within their authority or recommend handling in accordance with the law.

Article 24. Detection, prevention, and handling of violations through criminal prevention operations

Competent agencies, units, and individuals in the People’s Public Security and People’s Army assigned to prevent and combat human trafficking shall:

1. Take charge and coordinate with relevant agencies and units to apply operational measures as prescribed by law to promptly detect, prevent, and handle acts specified in Article 3 of this Law within their assigned areas;

2. Request agencies, organizations, and individuals to provide relevant information and documents as prescribed by law to support the detection, prevention, and handling of human trafficking acts;

3. Apply measures as prescribed by law to protect individuals specified in Article 34 of this Law;

4. Take necessary measures to rescue individuals if there is evidence suggesting they have been trafficked.

Article 25. Handling reports, criminal information, and denunciations regarding human trafficking offenses

1. The handling of criminal reports, information, and recommendations for prosecuting human trafficking offenses shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of criminal procedure law.

2. The handling of denunciations of violations of laws on preventing and combating human trafficking shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of the law on denunciations.

Article 26. Handling violations

1. Individuals committing acts specified in Article 3 of this Law shall, depending on the nature and severity of the violation, be subject to administrative sanctions or criminal prosecution; if they are causing damage, they must provide compensation in accordance with the law.

2. Individuals abusing their positions or powers to tolerate, cover up, improperly handle, or fail to handle acts specified in Article 3 of this Law shall, depending on the nature and severity of the violation, be subject to disciplinary measures, administrative sanctions, or criminal prosecution; if causing damage, they must provide compensation in accordance with the law.

3. Individuals falsely claiming to be victims, in addition to being handled as prescribed by law, must also repay any support funds received.

Chapter IV

RECEPTION, VERIFICATION, IDENTIFICATION, AND PROTECTION OF VICTIMS

Section 1. RECEPTION, VERIFICATION, AND IDENTIFICATION OF VICTIMS

Article 27. Reception and verification of persons filing a report

1. Any person who has grounds to believe they are a victim, or a legal representative who has grounds to believe the person they represent is a victim, may report the trafficking to the commune-level People’s Committee, Public Security forces, Border Defense forces, Coast Guard forces, or the nearest agency or organization. Public Security forces, Border Defense forces, Coast Guard forces, and other agencies receiving the report are responsible for immediately bringing the individual to the commune-level People’s Committee where the agency or organization is headquartered. The commune-level People’s Committee must promptly notify the district-level specialized labor, war invalids, and social affairs agency. Where necessary, the receiving commune-level People’s Committee shall provide support as prescribed in Chapter V of this Law.

2. Upon receiving a notification from the commune-level People’s Committee, the district-level specialized labor, war invalids, and social affairs agency shall immediately proceed with the reception and support process and, within three days at the latest, coordinate with the district-level Public Security forces to conduct preliminary information verification.

If no documents or materials specified in Clause 1, Article 33 of this Law are available after the initial verification, the district-level specialized labor, war invalids, and social affairs agency shall request the district-level Public Security forces to verify the victim’s status.

3. Within 20 days from the date of receiving a request from the district-level specialized labor, war invalids, and social affairs agency, the district-level Public Security forces are responsible for verifying the victim’s status and providing a written response to the requesting agency.

For complex cases, the verification period shall not exceed two months; if the victim cannot be identified within this time, the period may be extended, but the total verification period shall not exceed four months.

4. Immediately after obtaining the verification results or upon the expiration of the deadlines specified in Clause 3 of this Article, the district-level Public Security forces must issue one of the documents specified in Point a, Clause 1, Article 33 of this Law.

5. After reception, the district-level specialized labor, war invalids, and social affairs agency shall provide support to the victim or the person undergoing victim identification as prescribed in Chapter V of this Law. If the individual wishes to return to their place of residence, travel expenses shall be provided. If they require health or psychological care or their place of residence has not been determined and they wish to stay, the agency shall transfer them to a social assistance facility or a victim support facility.

For victims or persons undergoing victim identification who are children, the district-level specialized labor, war invalids, and social affairs agency must notify relatives to receive them or arrange for them to be escorted to the residence of their relatives. If the child has no shelter or there are grounds to believe they may face danger upon returning to their relatives, they shall be transferred to a social assistance facility or a victim support facility.

6. The Government shall provide detailed regulations on this Article.

Article 28. Reception and verification of rescued victims

1. Competent agencies, units, or individuals in the People’s Public Security and People’s Army who rescue victims must provide first aid and emergency care if they sustain injuries or health damage, support their essential needs, arrange interpretation services, and promptly transfer them to the nearest district-level specialized labor, war invalids, and social affairs agency where they were rescued.

The rescue agency is responsible for verifying and issuing confirmation letters as specified in Point a, Clause 1, Article 33 of this Law for the rescued individual. If there are insufficient grounds to identify the person as a victim, the district-level specialized labor, war invalids, and social affairs agency, after receiving the individual, shall request the district-level Public Security forces to verify the victim’s status. The verification period and the issuance of confirmation letters shall follow the provisions of Clauses 3 and 4, Article 27 of this Law.

2. After receiving the individual, the district-level specialized labor, war invalids, and social affairs agency shall provide support for the rescued person as stipulated in Clause 5, Article 27, and Chapter V of this Law.

3. The Government shall provide detailed regulations on this Article.

Article 29. Rescue, reception, and verification of victims abroad

1. Vietnamese diplomatic missions, consular missions, or other agencies authorized to perform consular functions abroad (hereinafter referred to as Vietnamese overseas representative missions), upon receiving information or documents about a victim provided by competent foreign authorities, international organizations, competent Vietnamese authorities, self-reported victims, or individuals reporting the incident, shall perform the following tasks:

a) If the individual has not been rescued, notify the competent authority of the host country immediately to coordinate in checking, verifying, and rescuing the victim;

b) If the individual has self-reported as a victim or has already been rescued, coordinate with the competent authority of the host country and competent Vietnamese authorities in verifying information, collecting related documents, providing support as stipulated in Chapter V of this Law, and issuing one of the documents specified in Clause 1, Article 33 of this Law.

2. Upon receiving a verification request from a Vietnamese overseas representative mission as specified in Point b, Clause 1 of this Article, competent Vietnamese authorities within the country must verify the information, respond to the representative mission, and coordinate in issuing necessary documents and completing procedures for the victim's return.

3. If there are insufficient grounds to issue one of the documents specified in Clause 1, Article 33 of this Law, the Vietnamese overseas representative mission shall implement citizen protection measures as prescribed by law and request the competent domestic authority to verify and issue one of the documents specified in Point a, Clause 1, Article 33 of this Law. The verification period shall follow the provisions of Clause 3, Article 27 of this Law.

4. Where international agreements provide for direct information exchange and cooperation on preventing and combating human trafficking between competent foreign authorities, international organizations, and Vietnamese authorities, such agreements shall be implemented.

5. The Government shall provide detailed regulations on this Article.

Article 30. Reception and verification of victims returning from abroad

1. The reception, verification, and support for victims returning from abroad through Vietnamese overseas representative missions shall be carried out as follows:

a) Vietnamese overseas representative missions shall receive and handle information and documents regarding the victim, coordinate with the competent authority of the Ministry of Public Security to verify the victim’s identity, issue necessary documents, and complete procedures for their return to Vietnam;

b) Competent authorities of the Ministry of Public Security and Ministry of National Defense shall receive the victim, conduct verification, and issue one of the documents or materials confirming victim status as requested by the Vietnamese overseas representative mission under Clause 3, Article 29 of this Law. They shall also provide essential needs support, interpretation services, and medical assistance if necessary, and promptly transfer the victim to the district-level specialized labor, war invalids, and social affairs agency where they are received for support as prescribed in Chapter V of this Law.

If the victim wishes to return to their place of residence, travel expenses shall be provided. If they require health or psychological care or their residence is not identified but they wish to stay, they shall be transferred to a social assistance facility or a victim support facility.

For child victims, the district-level specialized labor, war invalids, and social affairs agency shall notify their relatives to receive them or arrange for their transfer to the relatives' residence. If the child has no shelter or there are grounds to believe returning to relatives poses a risk, the child shall be transferred to a social assistance facility or a victim support facility.

2. The reception of individuals returning to Vietnam under bilateral international agreements related to human trafficking prevention and combat shall follow the provisions of such agreements.

Competent authorities receiving the individuals shall verify their status within the timeframe specified in Clause 3, Article 27 of this Law, issue the necessary documents under Clause 1, Article 33 of this Law, provide essential needs support, medical assistance, and interpretation services if necessary, and promptly transfer them to the district-level specialized labor, war invalids, and social affairs agency for support under Chapter V of this Law.

3. The Government shall provide detailed regulations on this Article.

Article 31. Reception, verification, rescue, and repatriation of foreign victims trafficked in Vietnam

1. Upon receiving information or documents about a foreign national trafficked in Vietnam, provided by competent foreign authorities, international organizations, domestic agencies, organizations, or individuals reporting the case, the receiving agency or organization must immediately notify the province-level Public Security forces where the foreign national is located to conduct verification and rescue.

If foreign nationals showing signs of trafficking are identified through professional operations, or if a foreign national self-reports as a victim, competent authorities in the People’s Public Security and People’s Army shall conduct rescue and verification.

Once there is sufficient evidence confirming the individual as a victim, the rescue or receiving agency shall issue a confirmation letter under Clause 1, Article 33 of this Law before transferring the victim.

2. After receiving or rescuing a foreign victim, the competent authority specified in Clause 1 of this Article shall provide first aid and emergency care if the victim is injured or has health issues, meet their essential needs, arrange interpretation services, and transfer the individual to the district-level specialized labor, war invalids, and social affairs agency where the receiving agency is located or where the victim was rescued.

3. Upon receiving the foreign victim, the district-level specialized labor, war invalids, and social affairs agency shall provide support as prescribed in Chapter V of this Law and notify the province-level foreign affairs agency and the Immigration Management Division of the province-level Public Security forces to arrange for the victim’s repatriation to their country of citizenship or habitual residence.

4. Upon receiving a diplomatic note from a foreign representative mission in Vietnam agreeing to the repatriation of a victim who is their citizen or habitual resident, along with valid exit and entry documents issued to the victim, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall coordinate with the foreign counterpart on repatriation arrangements and notify the Ministry of Public Security in writing, transferring the necessary exit and entry documents.

5. The competent authority of the Ministry of Public Security shall issue visas or temporary residence permits for the victim, notify the Immigration Management Division of the province-level Public Security forces, the province-level specialized labor, war invalids, and social affairs agency where the victim is housed, and relevant border gate authorities and international organizations to coordinate the victim’s repatriation.

6. The province-level specialized labor, war invalids, and social affairs agency managing the victim shall instruct social assistance or victim support facilities to escort the victim to the border gate and coordinate with relevant agencies to complete the repatriation process.

7. The Government shall provide detailed regulations on this Article.

Section 2. GROUNDS FOR VICTIM IDENTIFICATION; DOCUMENTS AND MATERIALS FOR VICTIM CONFIRMATION

Article 32. Grounds for victim identification

1. Victim identification shall be based on the following documents and evidence:

a) Documents and evidence provided by procedural authorities;

b) Information and documents provided by victim rescue agencies;

c) Information and documents provided by Vietnamese overseas representative missions;

d) Information and documents provided by domestic agencies or organizations;

dd) Documents provided by competent foreign authorities or organizations;

e) Statements and documents provided by individuals undergoing victim identification or their relatives;

g) Statements and documents provided by individuals involved in human trafficking acts;

h) Statements and documents provided by other victims or individuals aware of the case;

i) Other lawful documents and evidence.

2. In cases where competent authorities, based on Clause 1 of this Article, are unable to confirm whether an individual is a victim, they shall consider the following indicators after verifying the individual’s identity, duration of absence from their residence, and reasons for absence consistent with their statement of being trafficked:

a) The individual was discovered or rescued alongside other victims;

b) The individual cohabitated with victims at locations where traffickers detained or managed them and was treated similarly to these victims;

c) The individual exhibits signs of sexual exploitation, forced labor, organ harvesting, cruel treatment, injuries, fear, panic, depression, or poor health as confirmed by competent medical authorities, or was subjected to inhumane acts as specified in Clause 5, Article 2 of this Law;

d) Relatives reported the individual as missing during their absence from their residence;

dd) Other lawful grounds suggesting the individual is a victim.

Article 33. Documents and materials for victim confirmation and authority to issue such documents

1. Documents and materials confirming victim status include:

a) A victim confirmation letter or a non-victim confirmation letter;

b) Documents or materials proving the individual is a victim, issued by foreign authorities and legalized by Vietnamese overseas representative missions or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

2. Authorities competent to issue victim confirmation letters specified in Clause 1 of this Article include:

a) District-level Public Security forces as specified in Clause 4, Article 27, and Clause 1, Article 28 of this Law;

b) Rescue and reception agencies as specified in Articles 28 through 31 of this Law;

c) Investigation agencies, agencies assigned to conduct certain investigative activities, People’s Procuracies, and People’s Courts;

d) Vietnamese overseas representative missions as specified in Clause 1, Article 29 of this Law.

3. If a victim confirmation letter specified in Point a, Clause 1 of this Article has been issued but later proven incorrect by competent authorities specified in Clause 2 of this Article, the issuing authority must annul the confirmation letter and reissue a corrected one.

Section 3. PROTECTION OF VICTIMS, PERSONS UNDERGOING VICTIM IDENTIFICATION, AND THEIR RELATIVES

Article 34. Conditions and entities eligible for protection

The following individuals, if harmed, threatened with harm, or at risk of harm to their life, health, dignity, honor, property, or other lawful rights and interests due to their involvement in a human trafficking case or incident, shall, depending on the circumstances, be subject to protective measures specified in Article 35 of this Law:

1. Victims, persons undergoing victim identification, and individuals under 18 years of age accompanying them;

2. Relatives of victims and persons undergoing victim identification;

3. Individuals participating in human trafficking prevention or supporting victims.

Article 35. Protective measures and authority for their application

1. If the entities specified in Article 34 of this Law are whistleblowers, they shall be protected under the provisions of the law on denunciation.

2. If the entities specified in Article 34 of this Law are participants in criminal proceedings, they shall be protected under the provisions of the law on criminal procedure.

3. For entities specified in Article 34 of this Law who do not fall under Clauses 1 and 2 of this Article, the following protective measures shall be applied:

a) Arrangement of temporary shelters if they are at risk of harm to their life or health;

b) Preventive measures to deter and address acts of harm or threats of harm to their life, health, dignity, honor, property, or other lawful rights and interests, as prescribed by law.

4. Individuals who are protected but refuse or fail to fully comply with protective measures applied by competent authorities, agencies, or organizations shall bear responsibility for their own safety and that of their relatives.

If the refusal of protective measures is due to threats or coercion, competent authorities, agencies, or organizations shall still enforce the protective measures.

5. Competent agencies, units, and individuals in the People’s Public Security, People’s Army, and other authorized entities shall apply protective measures in accordance with the law.

6. The Government shall provide detailed regulations on Clauses 3, 4, and 5 of this Article.

Article 36. Confidentiality of information about victims, persons undergoing victim identification, and accompanying individuals under 18 years of age

1. Agencies, organizations, and individuals are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of victims' residences, workplaces, schools, private lives, personal secrets, and family secrets, as well as those of persons undergoing victim identification and individuals under 18 years of age accompanying them, unless otherwise stipulated by law.

2. Courts shall consider and decide on holding closed trials for human trafficking cases at the request of the victim or their legal representative in accordance with the law.

Chapter V

SUPPORT FOR VICTIMS AND PERSONS UNDERGOING VICTIM IDENTIFICATION

Article 37. Eligible entities and support regimes

1. Victims who are Vietnamese citizens or stateless persons permanently residing in Vietnam are entitled to the following support regimes:

a) Support for essential needs;

b) Medical support;

c) Interpretation support;

d) Legal support;

dd) Legal aid;

e) Travel cost support;

g) Psychological support;

h) Educational support;

i) Vocational training, counseling, and facilitation for employment;

k) Initial hardship allowance and loan assistance.

2. Individuals under 18 years of age accompanying victims who are Vietnamese citizens or stateless persons permanently residing in Vietnam are entitled to the support regimes specified in Points a through h, Clause 1 of this Article.

3. Persons undergoing victim identification who are Vietnamese citizens and accompanying individuals under 18 years of age abroad are entitled to the support regimes specified in Points a through d, Clause 1 of this Article.

Persons undergoing victim identification who are Vietnamese citizens, stateless persons permanently residing in Vietnam, and accompanying individuals under 18 years of age within the country are entitled to the support regimes specified in Points a through g, Clause 1 of this Article.

4. Foreign victims and persons undergoing victim identification who have been trafficked in Vietnam may, depending on the circumstances, receive support as specified in Points a, b, c, d, dd, and g, Clause 1 of this Article.

5. The Government shall provide detailed regulations on this Article.

Article 38. Support for essential needs

In necessary cases, victims, persons undergoing victim identification, and accompanying individuals under 18 years of age shall be provided with temporary accommodation, food, clothing, and other essential personal items based on actual conditions and their specific religious beliefs, age, gender, health status, and personal characteristics.

Article 39. Medical support

1. Victims, persons undergoing victim identification, and accompanying individuals under 18 years of age shall receive health checkups upon reception, as well as first aid and emergency care if they sustain injuries or health damage. If they require health recovery care during their stay at social assistance or victim support facilities, they shall be supported with the costs of medical examination and treatment.

2. Victims without health insurance shall be provided support to pay for health insurance during the first year following their confirmation as victims by competent authorities.

Article 40. Interpretation support

1. Persons undergoing victim identification and individuals under 18 years of age accompanying them who do not speak or understand Vietnamese shall be provided with interpretation cost support during the victim identification process.

2. Victims and individuals under 18 years of age accompanying them who do not speak or understand Vietnamese shall be provided with interpretation cost support during their stay at social assistance facilities or victim support facilities.

Article 41. Legal support and legal aid

1. Victims, persons undergoing victim identification, and individuals under 18 years of age accompanying them shall receive legal support through counseling to prevent re-trafficking, guidance on residence registration, civil status procedures, ID card issuance, and access to support schemes.

2. Victims, persons undergoing victim identification, and individuals under 18 years of age accompanying them shall receive legal aid in accordance with the law on legal aid for matters related to human trafficking cases or incidents.

Article 42. Travel cost support

Victims, persons undergoing victim identification, and individuals under 18 years of age accompanying them who wish to return to their place of residence shall be provided with support for domestic travel costs, including transportation and meal expenses during transit.

Article 43. Psychological support

Victims, persons undergoing victim identification, and individuals under 18 years of age accompanying them shall receive psychological support for up to three months to help stabilize their mental state.

Article 44. Support for education, vocational training, counseling, and employment facilitation

1. Victims under 18 years of age and individuals under 18 years of age accompanying victims who continue their education shall be supported with tuition fees, the cost of textbooks, and school supplies for the first academic year and the subsequent year after being officially identified as victims by competent authorities.

2. Victims returning to their place of residence may be considered for vocational training, counseling, and assistance in obtaining stable employment to support their reintegration.

Article 45. Initial hardship allowance and loan assistance

1. Victims returning to their place of residence shall receive a one-time initial hardship allowance.

2. Victims returning to their place of residence who need loans for production or business purposes may be considered for concessional loans from the Social Policy Bank under preferential credit policies in accordance with the law.

Article 46. Agencies and organizations providing support

1. Vietnamese overseas representative missions shall provide support for essential needs, interpretation, medical assistance, and legal support in accordance with this Law and relevant laws.

2. Public Security forces, Border Defense forces, and Coast Guard forces shall provide support for essential needs, interpretation, and medical assistance during rescue and reception operations.

3. Commune-level People’s Committees shall provide support for essential needs, medical assistance, and legal support during reception processes.

4. District-level specialized labor, war invalids, and social affairs agencies shall provide support for travel costs, interpretation, medical assistance, psychological support, education, vocational training, counseling, employment facilitation, initial hardship allowances, and loan assistance.

5. Social assistance facilities and victim support facilities shall provide support for essential needs, psychological support, medical assistance, interpretation, education, vocational training, and employment counseling during the victim’s stay.

6. State legal aid centers and legal aid organizations shall provide legal aid.

7. The Government shall provide detailed regulations on this Article.

Article 47. Social assistance facilities and victim support facilities

1. Public social assistance facilities shall perform the following tasks in supporting victims, persons undergoing victim identification, and accompanying individuals under 18 years of age:

a) Receive and arrange temporary accommodations and maintain records during their stay;

b) Provide support as specified in Clause 5, Article 46 of this Law;

c) Offer life skills education;

d) Assess victims' ability to reintegrate into the community and provide information on support policies and schemes for victims in the community;

dd) Provide necessary information to competent authorities to combat human trafficking;

e) Coordinate with competent authorities in verifying victim status;

g) Coordinate with legal aid centers to provide legal aid.

2. Victim support facilities established by Vietnamese organizations or individuals shall perform the tasks specified in Clause 1 of this Article in accordance with their establishment license. Such establishments shall not use the State budget for their operations.

3. Other social assistance facilities established by Vietnamese organizations or individuals that do not use the State budget may participate in supporting victims, persons undergoing victim identification, and accompanying individuals under 18 years of age as specified in Clause 1 of this Article and shall operate under their activity license.

4. The Government shall provide detailed regulations on Clauses 2 and 3 of this Article.

Chapter VI

STATE MANAGEMENT OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING PREVENTION AND COMBAT

Article 48. Contents of state management in human trafficking prevention and combat

1. Promulgating and organizing the implementation of policies and laws on human trafficking prevention and combat.

2. Informing, propagating, disseminating, and educating the public on laws regarding human trafficking prevention and combat.

3. Conducting statistical and reporting activities on human trafficking prevention and combat.

4. Training and fostering personnel engaged in human trafficking prevention and combat.

5. Conducting scientific research and international cooperation on human trafficking prevention and combat.

6. Commending agencies, organizations, and individuals with outstanding achievements in human trafficking prevention and combat.

7. Inspecting, examining, handling complaints and denunciations, and addressing legal violations related to human trafficking prevention and combat.

Article 49. Responsibility for state management in human trafficking prevention and combat

1. The Government shall uniformly manage state efforts in human trafficking prevention and combat.

2. The Ministry of Public Security is responsible for assisting the Government in implementing state management over human trafficking prevention and combat.

3. Ministries and ministerial-level agencies, within their respective functions and authority, shall coordinate with the Ministry of Public Security to implement state management in human trafficking prevention and combat and perform tasks and responsibilities prescribed by this Law and other relevant laws.

4. People’s Committees at all levels, within their respective functions and authority, shall manage efforts to prevent and combat human trafficking in their localities and perform tasks and responsibilities prescribed by this Law.

Article 50. Responsibilities of the Ministry of Public Security

1. In performing state management of human trafficking prevention and combat, the Ministry of Public Security shall:

a) Issue or propose to competent authorities policies and laws on human trafficking prevention and combat;

b) Advise the Government on signing, acceding to, or implementing international treaties and cooperation activities related to human trafficking prevention and combat;

c) Inform, propagate, disseminate, and educate the public on laws regarding human trafficking prevention and combat;

d) Lead and coordinate with relevant ministries, sectors, and provincial People’s Committees in implementing policies and laws on human trafficking prevention and combat;

dd) Lead and collaborate with relevant agencies and organizations to develop and implement training and capacity-building programs; summarize practical experiences, replicate effective models, and commend individuals and organizations with achievements in combating human trafficking;

e) Inspect and examine activities related to human trafficking prevention and combat;

g) Conduct international cooperation in human trafficking prevention and combat within its jurisdiction;

h) Compile statistical reports on human trafficking prevention and combat and assist the Government in preparing reports for submission to the National Assembly as part of the Government’s annual report on crime prevention and legal compliance.

2. In the area of combating human trafficking, the Ministry of Public Security shall:

a) Organize and deploy forces to directly carry out or coordinate tasks related to combating human trafficking;

b) Manage public order and security to prevent human trafficking;

c) Direct police forces at all levels to perform their tasks and responsibilities related to human trafficking prevention and combat as prescribed by this Law;

d) Promote public participation in preventing, detecting, and combating human trafficking while ensuring security, order, and social safety;

dd) Apply information technology in combating human trafficking in conjunction with the national population database, identity database, and other specialized databases.

Article 51. Responsibilities of the Ministry of National Defense

1. Coordinate with relevant ministries, sectors, and People’s Committees at all levels to organize public awareness campaigns in border areas, at sea, on islands, and at border checkpoints under its jurisdiction to encourage public participation in human trafficking prevention and combat in accordance with the law.

2. Direct the Border Defense forces and Coast Guard forces to carry out tasks related to human trafficking prevention and combat in border areas, at sea, on islands, and at border checkpoints under their jurisdiction as prescribed by law; receive, support, and protect victims and persons undergoing victim identification in accordance with this Law.

3. Ensure security and public order in border areas, at sea, on islands, and at border checkpoints under its jurisdiction to prevent human trafficking.

4. Conduct international cooperation in human trafficking prevention and combat within its jurisdiction.

Article 52. Responsibilities of the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs

1. Issue or propose to competent authorities legal normative documents on policies to support victims and persons undergoing victim identification.

2. Guide, manage, inspect, and examine employment service activities, labor leasing, sending Vietnamese workers abroad under contracts, and recruiting foreign workers in Vietnam to prevent these activities from being exploited for human trafficking; provide guidance on screening for signs of trafficking among workers.

3. Guide, manage, inspect, and examine activities supporting victims and persons undergoing victim identification.

4. Direct the integration of human trafficking prevention and combat into programs addressing social evils, vocational training, job creation, poverty reduction, gender equality, child protection, and other socio-economic development programs; manage the reception of information, reports, and denunciations of human trafficking through the national hotline for human trafficking prevention and combat.

5. Coordinate with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education and Training to direct medical, psychological, and educational support for victims.

6. Conduct international cooperation in human trafficking prevention and combat within its jurisdiction.

Article 53. Responsibilities of the Ministry of Health

1. Lead and coordinate with the Ministry of Finance to develop and propose legal normative documents on policies for medical support and health insurance coverage as prescribed in Article 39 of this Law.

2. Direct and guide healthcare facilities to collaborate with social assistance facilities and victim support facilities in providing medical support to victims and persons undergoing victim identification.

3. Provide guidance on medical treatment and psychological support for victims.

4. Lead and coordinate with the Ministry of Public Security in guiding healthcare facilities to identify, report, and provide information on cases involving signs of human trafficking, organ trafficking, or agreements to traffic humans from the fetal stage.

Article 54. Responsibilities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

1. Direct and guide competent units and Vietnamese overseas representative missions to implement human trafficking prevention and combat activities, and carry out the protection of victims and persons undergoing victim identification who have been trafficked abroad and are Vietnamese citizens. Coordinate with competent Vietnamese and foreign authorities in rescuing, receiving, identifying, and repatriating victims and persons undergoing victim identification who are Vietnamese citizens.

2. Direct the coordination with relevant foreign representative missions and competent Vietnamese authorities to repatriate foreign victims.

3. Provide direction on researching solutions for human trafficking prevention and combat in the development of policies on international migration within its authority.

4. Conduct international cooperation in human trafficking prevention and combat within its jurisdiction.

Article 55. Responsibilities of the Ministry of Justice

1. Coordinate with the Ministry of Public Security and other relevant agencies in developing, improving, and monitoring the implementation of laws on human trafficking prevention and combat.

2. Guide, manage, inspect, and examine activities involving marriage registration with foreign elements and the registration of adoption to prevent these activities from being exploited for human trafficking.

3. Manage and guide state legal aid centers and other legal aid organizations in providing legal aid to victims and persons undergoing victim identification in accordance with the law on legal aid.

 4. Conduct international cooperation in human trafficking prevention and combat within its jurisdiction.

Article 56. Responsibilities of the People’s Committees at all levels

1. Within their functions and authority, People’s Committees at all levels are responsible for:

a) Implementing information dissemination and awareness-raising activities on human trafficking prevention and combat;

b) Integrating human trafficking prevention and combat into socio-economic development programs;

c) Organizing and implementing activities for human trafficking prevention and combat;

d) Allocating budgets for human trafficking prevention and combat efforts;

dd) Promptly and strictly handling violations of laws on human trafficking prevention and combat;

e) Organizing the management of security and order to prevent human trafficking;

g) Issuing licenses for the establishment of victim support facilities and for the operation of other social assistance facilities involved in support activities.

2. In addition to fulfilling the responsibilities specified in Clause 1 of this Article, commune-level People’s Committees shall:

a) Lead and coordinate with the Vietnam Fatherland Front at the same level and its member organizations to organize and facilitate advisory activities on human trafficking prevention and combat at the grassroots level;

b) Receive and provide support to victims, persons undergoing victim identification, and individuals under 18 years of age accompanying them as prescribed by this Law;

c) Facilitate the reintegration of victims into the community.

3. The Government shall provide detailed regulations on Point g, Clause 1 of this Article.

Chapter VII

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION IN HUMAN TRAFFICKING PREVENTION AND COMBAT

Article 57. Principles of international cooperation in human trafficking prevention and combat

The State of Vietnam conducts international cooperation in human trafficking prevention and combat based on the principles of respecting independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity; non-interference in each other's internal affairs; equality; and mutual benefit.

Article 58. Implementation of international cooperation in human trafficking prevention and combat

1. Based on international treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a party, this Law, relevant laws, and signed international agreements, competent Vietnamese authorities shall cooperate with competent foreign authorities, international organizations, foreign organizations, and individuals to enhance legal, informational, technological, and training capacities for human trafficking prevention and combat.

2. Coordination between Vietnamese and foreign competent authorities in handling human trafficking cases shall be carried out in accordance with international treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a party.

If Vietnam and the related country are not parties to the same international treaty, competent Vietnamese authorities shall engage in international cooperation on the basis of reciprocity, in compliance with Vietnamese law, foreign law, and international practices.

Article 59. International cooperation in rescuing and repatriating victims

1. Competent Vietnamese authorities shall cooperate with foreign competent authorities in rescuing, supporting, and protecting victims and persons undergoing victim identification.

2. The State of Vietnam shall facilitate the repatriation of foreign victims to their country of nationality or last habitual residence, ensuring their safety, dignity, and well-being. This process shall be carried out under international treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a party, this Law, relevant laws, and international agreements between Vietnam and other countries.

Article 60. Mutual legal assistance in human trafficking prevention and combat

Mutual legal assistance in human trafficking prevention and combat between Vietnam and related countries shall be conducted under international treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the related country are parties or based on reciprocity, in compliance with Vietnamese law, foreign law, and international practices.

Chapter VIII

IMPLEMENTATION

Article 61. Amendments and annulments to certain provisions of Article 7 of the Law on Legal Aid No. 11/2017/QH14

1. Add Clause 6a immediately following Clause 6 as follows:

“6a. Victims, persons undergoing victim identification of human trafficking acts, and individuals under 18 years of age accompanying them as prescribed by the Law on Human Trafficking Prevention and Combat.”

2. Annul Point g, Clause 7.

Article 62. Entry into force  

1. This Law comes into force as of July 1, 2025.

2. The Law on Human Trafficking Prevention and Combat No. 66/2011/QH12 ceases to be effective as of the date this Law takes effect, except as specified in Article 63 of this Law.

Article 63. Transitional provisions

Persons identified as victims before the effective date of this Law and individuals under 18 years of age accompanying them shall be entitled to support schemes as prescribed by the Law on Human Trafficking Prevention and Combat No. 66/2011/QH12.

This Law was passed by the National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, 15th Legislature, at its 8th session, on November 28, 2024.

 

CHAIRMAN OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY Tran Thanh Man